Date:         Thu, 10 Jul 1997 23:27:43 -0500
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         tbill <tbill@startext.net>
Subject:      Re: Losing Power (the solution)

PhilGeller@aol.com wrote:
> 
> I want to thank everyone for the help on my problem (losing power climbing
> I-80 up to Lake Tahoe.)  The winning answer was the O2 sensor.  When it was
> unplugged, the problem disappeared.
> 
Of course!  ALWAYS suspect the 02 sensor!

> I had the choice of replacing it with a generic sensor for $44, or a Bosch
> for $85 (single wire).  I went with the Bosch, and also decided to let German
> Motors  in Lake Forest do it (aka George's), based on recommendations from
> several of you.

Look, I don't want to ruin your day...but I will anyway.
I just bot a Bosch 02 sensor for $20 at Western Auto.


  While looking things over they found a lot of parts that
> were cracked, decrepit, or out-of-date (expansion tanks, distributor cap,
> rotors, plug wires, temperature switches).

(Surprize, surprize)

  It was akin to a house
> remodeling.  I'm now up to date.  I also found George to have a much more
> proactive (and probably more expensive) approach the Fred's Garage in Redwood
> City, where I usually take my '85 Westy.  George seemed to have good reasons
> for all the changes.

If the other parts were priced in line with the 02 sensor, I could come
up with a few good reasons myself!


   Have others seen this difference?  The reasoning I got
> at George's seemed sound.  Fred's just seems to fix what is broken, and not
> be concerned with parts that can be updated or improved.

I think I would stick with Fred, and buy my parts myself!
> 
> TBill